Haste, my Mother, run to help me;
Mother, haste, do not delay;
See from Hell the envious serpent
Comes my trembling soul to slay.
Ah! his very look affrights me,
And his cruel rage I fear;
Whither fly, if he attacks me?
See him, see him coming near!
Lo! I faint away with terror,
For if yet thou dost delay,
He will dart at me his venom;
Then, alas! I am his prey.
Cries and tears have nought availed me,
Spite of all I see him there;
Saints I call till I am weary.
Still he stands with threatening air.
Now his mighty jaws are open,
And his forked tongue I see;
Ah! he coils to spring upon me,
Mother! hasten, make him flee.
Mary! yes, the name of Mary
Strikes with dread my cruel foe;
Straight he flees as from the sunbeam
Swiftly melts the winter’s snow.
Now he’s gone; but do thou ever
Stay beside me, Mother dear;
Then the hellish fiend to tempt me
Never more will venture near.